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What is Slippery Elm?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Slippery elm or Ulmus fulva is a plant that is used in many forms of alternative and folk medicine. The inner bark of the slippery elm is the portion extracted for use in poultices or ground into a powder that can be ingested to soothe a number of aches and pains. Found in parts of the United States and Canada, processed versions are sold in many herb shops and health food stores around the world.

Part of the effectiveness of the plant has to do with the range of vitamins and minerals found in the inner bark. Significant amounts of several of the B vitamins are contained in slippery elm, along with moderate amounts of Vitamin A and selenium. Trace amounts of Vitamin E, Vitamin K and magnesium are also present in the plant.

Slippery elm may be ingested to help deal with a sore throat.
Slippery elm may be ingested to help deal with a sore throat.

While many different claims are made for the healing powers of slippery elm, the ability of the plant to help ease inflammation in many parts of the body is the most often cited use. In powder form, the herbal concoction can be combined with liquid and taken as a way to deal with inflammation in the colon or help soothe the discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As a poultice, it can be applied to rashes on the skin and help to ease the inflammation while also minimizing the itching and pain associated with the ailment.

Slippery elm can be used to alleviate the discomfort associated with diaper rash.
Slippery elm can be used to alleviate the discomfort associated with diaper rash.

Because slippery elm is said to possess antioxidant qualities, the herb is sometimes employed as a way to draw toxins from the body. Along with rashes, the plant may be applied to boils, burns, or sores that appear on the skin. There are anecdotal accounts of slippery elm effectively treating cases of poison ivy, as well as alleviating discomfort for babies suffering with diaper rash.

The slippery elm can be useful in treating acid reflux.
The slippery elm can be useful in treating acid reflux.

Internally, slippery elm may be ingested to help deal with a sore throat or ease the frequency and severity of coughing due to congestion in the lungs. There are instances where it was effective in alleviating constipation by acting as a soothing laxative. The herb can also be used to help with acid reflux or indigestion due to overeating.

While few controlled tests have been done to confirm the efficacy of slippery elm, people looking for natural alternatives to nuclear medications may find folk doctors and herbalists recommending this herb for treatment of a variety of aches and pains. As with all herbs, it is a good idea to consult a health professional about possible negative interactions if prescription medication is being taken at the same time.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Slippery elm may be ingested to help deal with a sore throat.
      By: staras
      Slippery elm may be ingested to help deal with a sore throat.
    • Slippery elm can be used to alleviate the discomfort associated with diaper rash.
      By: Pakhnyushchyy
      Slippery elm can be used to alleviate the discomfort associated with diaper rash.
    • The slippery elm can be useful in treating acid reflux.
      By: bilderzwerg
      The slippery elm can be useful in treating acid reflux.
    • There are anecdotal accounts of slippery elm effectively treating rashes from the poison ivy plant.
      By: Riverwalker
      There are anecdotal accounts of slippery elm effectively treating rashes from the poison ivy plant.
    • Slippery elm can help relieve constipation.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Slippery elm can help relieve constipation.
    • Slippery elm can help with inflammation and sooth the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome.
      By: joshya
      Slippery elm can help with inflammation and sooth the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome.